It remains a tiny fragment of overall U.S. energy production, and interest in the industry dried up in the 1980s when the federal government pulled incentives to install solar systems.

Today, many feel states like Michigan are too cloudy to produce enough solar power to justify the high cost of the equipment or special building designs.

But John Sarver, a supervisor with the Michigan Energy Office, believes the state's solar resources are underrated. His research shows that a solar system built in Lansing will produce 80 percent of the electricity as the same system in Miami.

Dan Staudacher | Bay City TimesPat and Anne Trahan of Bangor Township built their passive solar shed-styled home 30 years ago. The house's roof blocks sunshine from entering the windows in the summer and allows sun to pass through the windows in winter.

"It is definitely more cloudy here, but it's not always cloudy," Sarver said. "We remember the cloudy days more. We actually do get production, even on cloudy days."

The Trahans say their home is proof that solar can complement a home's power system, as it has for them over the past three decades. But not all solar-energy users in Michigan have shared their experience.

Delta College, for example, has seen lackluster results from a 10-kilowatt solar system the college installed in June 2007 with a $50,000 state grant.

As of April, the system had generated about $1,600 worth of electricity and, at that rate, it will never pay for itself, said Timothy E. Klinger, a professor with the mathematics and computer science division.

"I want people to know the reality of solar," Klinger said, adding that the system is offsetting less than 1 percent of the college's energy needs.

But the project is succeeding in educating people about solar energy, said Linda Petee, sustainability and risk management coordinator at Delta.

"It will pay for itself in the learning," and help the college in developing programs for maintaining and repairing solar systems, Petee said.

Klinger also sees positives in that the energy being generated isn't costing Delta money, and that the system has so far offset more than 12 tons of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming.

The solar industry, including companies such as Bay County based Dow Corning Corp., are working to cut the cost of solar panels and solar systems, making them affordable for more people and businesses.

State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, is chairman of the House Energy and Technology Committee. He sees the changes occurring in the solar industry today.

"Efficiencies are growing. It wasn't too long ago where it was foolish to think everyone would own a cell phone. They were very costly and the devices were very inefficient.

"Well, over time, developments occurred to support it. Solar is no different," Mayes said.